Change of conditions

The South Channel Fort is a reminder of Port Phillip Bay's early history as part of the defence lines for Melbourne. The artificial island was constructed in the 1880s to illuminate the channel at night and electronically explode mines under attacking ships coming through the Heads.

A system of antiquated gun emplacements and tunnels are a feature of the island which is now a significant refuge for seabirds.

The Popes Eye was initially proposed for defence purposes but the partially constructed artificial island was never completed.